Lately, I have been noticing more and more a disturbing trend amongst artists I listen to on a regular basis: I can't fucking pronounce any of their names. Honestly, how can I name-drop Paavoharju in front of some co-workers when I can't get past the first syllable? And what about Fennesz? Shivers went down my spine merely reading it. And am I supposed to pronounce it "Sunn" or "Sunn O"? Ugh! Maddening. Yes, I realize that some of those names are in languages other than English, and that perhaps in their native countries their names are quite simple. For the most part, I choose to remain ignorant to that fact and long for simpler times. What's so wrong with good ol' American names like "The Who" or "The Smiths"?
All good things must come to an end, I suppose. I have more or less accepted that the glory days of band names that just roll off the tongue are over. The world is growing up. I have even ended my long-time boycott against bands with over a dozen consecutive letters in their names, and for this moral defeat, I hold Charalambides personally responsible. Upcoming tour? 40+ albums and CD-Rs? One of which, titled A Vintage Burden and released in 2006, has a conveniently placed TMT review link right here [TMT Review]? How could I resist? Not to worry: my boycott of movies with subtitles, the five-string bass, "icicle" Christmas lights, fruits without seeds, cup-holders, and any movie playing system other than Laserdisc are all stronger than ever.
Look for a 15-passenger van with "Charal-" painted on one side and "ambides" on the other in your town soon.
11.03.06 - Northampton, MA - Elevens
11.04.06 - Portland, ME - Strange Maine
11.05.06 - Somerville, MA - PA's Lounge
11.06.06 - Providence, RI - AS 220
11.08.06 - New York, NY - Knitting Factory Tap Bar
11.09.06 - Philadelphia, PA - First Unitarian Church Chapel Room
11.10.06 - Asheville, NC - TBA
11.11.06 - Atlanta, GA - Eyedrum
11.12.06 - Nashville, TN - Ruby Green
11.14.06 - Houston, TX - Rudyard's
11.15.06 - Austin, TX - Emo's
11.16.06 - Oklahoma City, OK - Conservatory
11.17.06 - Kansas City, MO - TBA
11.18.06 - Chicago, IL - Empty Bottle
11.19.06 - Iowa City, IA - Hall Mall
11.20.06 - Oberlin, OH - Dionysus Disco
11.21.06 - Washington, DC - 611 Florida